Questions About Cardboard Palm Trees

My cardboard palm is very old, more than 20 yrs in the same big pot. It is so crowded with pups that it has stunted the way it normally looks. The root system is HUGE, like it needs a saw to cut it apart! I am afraid to transplant it for fear I will kill the plant. What do I do. . . saw them apart from each other or not?

I have an indoor cardboard palm that hasn’t gotten a leaf in two years. They come out (much slower than the past ones) and turn brown, or they start to leaf out and turn brown. I’ve tried more water, less water, more fertilizer, less fertilizer but it doesn’t seem to help. The fronds are not forming like they should. I live in PA. Help me! Thank you.

Answered by shelley on March 30, 2015Certified Expert

A.

You mentioned watering schedules and fertilizer, but what kind of lighting is it in most of the day? Cardboard palms thrive in moderate to bright light.

Also, what type of fertilizer did you use? You should fertilize with a slow release palm food or a diluted household plant food once monthly during the growing season

Lastly, is it possible the cardboard palm is root bound? That would stress the plant and cause erratic growth and problems. I'd take a look at the roots and see if something's amiss. You might give it a new pot with fresh potting soil and add some extra perlite to facilitate drainage.

I want to split my cardboard palm into 3 separate plants, as it has 3 heads which are all joined together. Is this possible? It is about 4 years old and growing well and the plant is healthy it is housed in a pot.

Answered by Downtoearthdigs on October 30, 2015Certified Expert

A.

No you should not try to separate the plant in this manner. I believe your referring to the male and female cones that have formed.

The cardboard plant, botanical name Zamia furfuracea, is a member of the cycad order, an ancient order in the plant kingdom. It is related to sago palms. The cone that you see in the center is the seedpod of the plant. Like most cycads, it looks something like a pine cone.

We have 2 plants in our front yard. They are beautiful. My problem is that they are growing so large and spreading out. I have no idea how to prune these and do not want to lose them. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Joyce Dickinson

Answered by Downtoearthdigs on May 30, 2017Certified Expert

A.

A late winter rejuvenation pruning is often needed to remove dead or declining leaves and to reshape the plants. Out of bounds shoots can be removed during warmer months.

Recently planted a zamia that has a 4″ cone. The cone is wilting but the rest of the plant looks fine. Anything to be concerned with? Should the cone be pruned? Thanks.

Answered by Downtoearthdigs on November 15, 2017Certified Expert

A.

The cone is probably just finished and is naturally wilting, so you could leave it until it comes off naturally. You can optionally prune the cone off. If you do, it may be best to dust the cut area with a fungicide to prevent anything from getting into the wound.